For many years, petroleum has been the only source of heating houses and apartments in Greece, and only lately natural gas has become an option for big city dwellers. All the rest still depend on petroleum to keep their homes warm during the winter, especially at the northern regions of the country where the weather conditions are harsh.
But with petroleum prices skyrocketing to €1.40 per liter and given today’s scarce financial resources, people are forced to turn to other forgotten means of heating such as fireplaces and stoves. So, there is an unprecedented demand for firewood and even the government has intervened to prevent wet wood from being sold as dry. Trees on the mountains are being illegally cut down in hundreds to produce firewood for distressed citizens.
And lately there have been many incidents where olive groves were invaded during the night and the olive trees were sawed and vanished. There have been reports from Crete, Korinthia, Messinia and Euboea of farmers who were astounded to discover that their precious groves were destroyed. The damage for the olive oil industry as a whole is minimal, but the damage for the single farmer and family is huge, since they rely heavily on the olive oil they make to secure the year’s supply and even get an extra — and evermore important — income from selling some.
Among the many woes the crisis carries lies another no one could predict, and the perish of economic resources affects many aspects of our day-to-day lives as never before.
Related Articles
Jun. 10, 2024
Farmers in Greece Witness the Impacts of Climate Change After Historically Low Harvest
Farmers and millers throughout Greece have reported that climate change is making it increasingly difficult to produce award-winning extra virgin olive oil.
Feb. 19, 2024
A Dismal Harvest Concludes in Greece
With the country’s olive oil production almost halved compared to last year, record prices at origin have shaped a market searching for equilibrium.
Mar. 19, 2024
Registration of Kalamata Olives as Intellectual Property Renews Controversy in Greece
The registration of the Kalamata table olive PDO from Messenia with WIPO will restrict the term's use by table olive producers in Greece, re-igniting an ongoing debate.
Jan. 16, 2024
The Olive Tree and the Rise of Athens
The story of the divine competition for Athens reflects the ancient Greeks' reverence for wisdom, strategy and life's practical needs.
Sep. 5, 2024
Groves Need Rain Ahead of Harvest in Greece
With most groves in Greece entering an ‘on-year’ in their alternate bearing cycle, ample autumn rains could yield a 300,000-ton harvest, some officials say.
Apr. 30, 2024
Greek Court Rules Kalamon Olives May Use Kalamata Brand
The supreme court rejected an appeal by Messenia-based growers that only they could use the Kalamata branding, an appellation worth €200 million in exports.
Sep. 5, 2024
Bringing Peloponnesian Flavors to American Kitchens
The producer behind Kosterina believes there is a place in the American kitchen for Koroneiki olive oil produced in its place of origin and traditionally cured Greek olives.
May. 28, 2024
Greek Producers Celebrate Successful Finish to Historically Low Harvest
Farmers and millers in Greece earned 56 awards at the 2024 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition after the worst harvest in a decade.